If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful side that will instantly brighten up your meal, look no further than this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe. With its perfectly fluffy grains and rich tomato-infused taste spiced with cumin and chili powder, this dish is a breeze to make and instantly satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking Mexican cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful and colorful rice that pairs wonderfully with any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from building layers of aromatic flavor to creating the ideal texture and vibrant color that makes this rice so irresistible.
- 1 cup white long-grain rice: Long grains ensure fluffy, separate rice rather than sticky clumps.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes: Tomato adds tangy depth and a lovely reddish hue; adjust liquid if using diced.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatics for a flavorful foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory complexity and aroma.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Liquids infuse the rice with rich flavor during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Warming spice that delivers earthy depth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle smoky heat without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive): Used to sauté and lightly toast rice for extra texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to tie everything together.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and bright contrast.
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce: Optional kick for spice lovers.
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas: Optional veggies to sneak in extra color and nutrition.
- Shredded cheese: Stir in before serving to add a creamy, melty layer.
- Brown rice (substitute): Adjust cooking time and broth accordingly for a healthier option.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until they become soft, fragrant, and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks a powerful base of flavor that makes your rice sensational.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the white rice directly into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir continuously to coat each grain generously with the oil and softened onions. Toast the rice for around 3 to 4 minutes until you notice a slight golden tint and a nutty aroma. This toasting step enhances both the texture and flavor, giving the rice a wonderful bite.
Step 3: Add Tomato and Spices
Pour in your chosen tomato base, either ½ cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes, along with the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well, making sure the rice is evenly coated. The spices begin to mingle here, imparting that unmistakable Mexican flair to your dish.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Introduce 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Patience here rewards you with perfectly cooked rice.
Step 5: Fluff and Garnish
Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Finally, stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh cilantro is classic, but feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat or a handful of shredded cheese stirred in to melt decadently throughout the rice. These simple touches elevate the dish further and make each serving a personalized delight.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, juicy carne asada, rich beans, or even crispy fish tacos. It’s a fantastic versatile side that complements any main course, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the rice in warm tortilla bowls or stuff it inside roasted bell peppers for a colorful, tasty twist. You can even use it as a base for a burrito bowl loaded with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, and salsa for a complete meal in one bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Mexican Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Covering the pan helps steam it back to fluffy perfection. Microwaving works well too—just be sure to sprinkle a little water on top and cover loosely.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be swapped in, but remember to increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and all other ingredients are plant-based by nature, making this dish vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe?
The base recipe has mild heat thanks to chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to kick things up.
Can I prepare this rice in advance?
Definitely! The rice keeps well in the fridge and is fantastic for meal prep. Just reheat it gently to keep it fluffy and delicious.
What are some good toppings to add?
Try shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh lime juice, chopped scallions, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add flavor, creaminess, and contrast that make the rice even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe has quickly become a cherished go-to in my kitchen because it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. I love how it brings a festive touch to the table without demanding hours or complicated steps. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican rice recipe that combines aromatic sautéed onions and garlic with toasted rice, tomato sauce, and classic spices. Perfect as a side dish for any Mexican meal, this recipe can be customized with extra vegetables or cheese for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes (adjust liquid if using diced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for extra spice)
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas (for extra veggies)
- Shredded cheese (to stir in before serving)
- Brown rice (substitute, adjust cooking time and broth accordingly)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps release deep flavors foundational to the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns slightly golden. Toasting improves the texture and flavor of the rice.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato base and spices evenly.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving. Optionally, add diced jalapeños, chopped vegetables, or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and adjust broth quantity according to the rice package instructions.
- To make this dish spicier, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during the simmering stage.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Shredded cheese can be stirred in just before serving for a creamy texture.
- Cover the skillet tightly while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
